Stories & Songs - Christmas Edition! | Christmas Choral Music

A couple weeks ago, my dad and sister and I had the blessing of singing in our church choir's Christmas cantata. Our director put together a program of several choral pieces interspersed with Scripture readings. We had about 20 choir members and a 7-piece orchestra, and though our performance wasn't on as grand a scale as those in the videos below, it was beautiful nonetheless.



Our program began with Dan Forrest's magnificent arrangement of O Come, All Ye Faithful. This particular video features several different high school and college choirs from south Mississippi - they performed it last year. We loved singing it and wish we could do it again!



We also sang three of Mack Wilberg's arrangements! Fum, Fum, Fum was fun to perform but difficult to learn - the time signature changes multiple times starting at 0:36, and the rhythm in the the bass and alto parts was tricky.



Away in a Manger - such a beautiful, peaceful song. We sang it again on Christmas Eve.



I Saw Three Ships - oh, and we thought Fum, Fum, Fum! was hard to learn! Goodness gracious. We called this one "The Beast". The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, of which Mack Wilberg is the director, performed it at an even faster tempo than we did (and ours was still fast!). At 2:14 all four parts begin going up the scale chromatically in half-steps and thirds (sorry! #theorynerdprobs) and it was incredibly difficult to sing the right notes, on pitch, with the correct rhythm. Needless to say, we felt like we could conquer the world when we finally learned it!

Also, side note: I got to play the glockenspiel at 1:16! That was new experience for me, but a fun one. Our choir director asked me less than a month before the performance, "Hey, can you play the glockenspiel part?" "Sure! Um...remind me...what is a glockenspiel?" "Oh, it's like a small xylophone. You know how to play the piano, so you can play it." "Okay...!?" "I won't be able to get a spare set for you to practice on before the dress rehearsal, so you'll have only one day to practice." No pressure, right?! Thankfully, he actually was able to get a spare set, so I had a few days to make sure I had my part down. It wasn't too hard, but with only two handbells ringing while I was playing (at first), the sound was so exposed. If I made a mistake, I knew the whole congregation would hear it!



Earlier in Advent, we sang this breathtaking arrangement of Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming by Jan Sandström. We didn't have enough choir members to have voices sing the "Oooo" part, so our pianist played that on the organ. We stood in the foyer of the church and it was incredible to hear all of our voices echo in that room and into the sanctuary.



Several times now, we've enjoyed hearing another nearby church choir perform at Christmas, and they always begin their program with this gorgeous arrangement of Of the Father's Love Begotten by Paul Wohlgemuth. I could listen to it a dozen times in a row and not get tired of it!

For the love of music, and in celebration of the birth of our Savior,
Rebekah

Stories & Songs - Christmas Edition! | BYU Vocal Point

So...y'all remember a series of Christmas Edition Stories & Songs posts from last year? {Here they are}

I haven't happened upon a lot of new Christmas music since then, but I have become a big fan of BYU Vocal Point...and they sing some really wonderful arrangements of Christmas songs. If you like a capella music, and you like Christmas, you'll enjoy these videos:

Infant Holy, Infant Lowly

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

God Rest, Ye Merry Gentlemen

12 Days of Christmas

I'm Gettin' Nuttin' for Christmas

For the love of music, and in celebration of the birth of our Savior!

Rebekah

Stories & Songs - Christmas Edition! | Straight No Chaser

A series of posts on Christmas music can't possibly be complete without featuring a group that is, hands down, one of the finest acapella ensembles performing today: Straight No Chaser. The video of their creative and brilliantly hilarious arrangement of The 12 Days of Christmas went viral in 2007, leading to a record deal with Atlantic Records, over half a dozen albums released, and sold-out shows in theaters all over the country!

A couple of Christmases ago, one of their members, Walter Chase, came up with a song that poked fun at the commercialization of Christmas...using the French Can-Can tune. Thus, The Christmas Can-Can. Then, just recently, the group came up with another: various music from The Nutcracker, with lyrics that tell the tale of a poor guy who just wants to watch football on a wintry Saturday afternoon...but his wife drags him with her to watch the classic Christmas ballet.

So grab a cup of hot chocolate and sit down and enjoy...Straight No Chaser. (I've included the lyrics, because believe me, the words go by so fast, you need them!)

The 12 Days of Christmas

On the first day of Christmas,

my true love gave to me

A partridge in a pear tree.

On the second day of Christmas,

my true love gave to me

Two turtle doves,

And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the fourth day of Christmas,

On the third day of Christmas,

my true love gave to me

Five golden rings,

Four calling birds,

Three French hens,

Two turtle doves,

And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the ninth day of Christmas,

On the eighth day of Christmas,

Nine ladies dancing,

My true love gave to me

Eight maids a-milking,

Seven swans a-swimming,

Six geese a-laying

You better not shout

You better not cry

You better not in a pear tree

On the ninth (NO)

On the eighth (NO)

On the seventh day of Christmas

Deck the halls with boughs of holly

(My true love gave to me)

Here we come a wassailing among the leaves so green

(Seven swans a-swimming,)

(Six geese a-laying,)

Five golden rings

Four calling birds

Three French hens,

Two turtle doves,

(Here we come a wassailing among the leaves so green)

The boars head in hand bear I be decked with bays

And Partridge in a pear tree

On the eleventh day of Christmas,

my true love gave to me

Eleven pipers piping,

Ten lords a-leaping,

Nine ladies dancing,

Eight maids a-milking,

Seven swans a-swimming,

Six geese a-laying,

Five golden rings,

Four calling birds,

Three French hens,

Two turtle doves,

And Rudolf the red nose reindeer

On the 12th day of Christmas

I have a little dreidel

I made it out of clay and when it’s dry and ready

Oh dreidel I shall play

Oh dreidel dreidel dreidel…

On the 12th day of Christmas

do do do do do do

On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me

Twelve drummers drumming like Olympus above the Serengeti,

Eleven pipers piping,

Ten lords a-leaping,

Nine ladies dancing they were dancing for me,

Eight maids a-milking they were milking just for me,

I had Christmas down in Africa (5x)

(Five golden rings) (3x)

Gonna deck the halls and do the things we never had

Do do do do do do

Partridge in a big tree

Partridge in a big tree

The Christmas Can-Can

Christmas, Christmas time is here

And Christmas songs you love to hear.

Thoughts of joy and hope and cheer

But mostly shopping, shopping, shopping!

Christmas, Christmas time is here

The sleigh bells and the red nose deer.

Song and songs we love to hear

All played a thousand times each year.

Heard this same song twenty times

And it’s only Halloween!

(Joy To The World)

(I saw three ships come sailing in on Christmas Day on Christmas Day)

Christmas, Christmas time is here

(Hark The Herald Angels Sing)

And Christmas songs you love to hear

(Joy To The World)

Thoughts of joy and hope and cheer

But mostly shopping, shopping, shopping!

Christmas season, starting sooner every year!

It’s October!

Stores with plastic Christmas trees!

Ransack the mall!

Shopping till you loose your mind!

Spike the eggnog!

Sit back and watch Rudolph, Frosty, Tiny Tim, and Scrooge, the Grinch or Charlie Brown

It’s time!

(hey)

It’s time to do the Christmas Can-Can

If you can’t can’t dance

Well that’s’ ok!

Not going to do the kick line!

All you need is a tree, some lights

presents wrap them up and pray for snow!

(Ho!)

Run to your closet,

Find your Christmas sweater,

Screaming carols all the way!

(fa la la la la la)

Maine all the way to California,

It’s the Christmas Can-Can,

Halloween to Christmas Day!

It’s the most wonderful time of year,

We’re running mad with Christmas cheer!

(Hey what’s the trouble with you my friend?)

It’s not fair if you’re Jewish, Jewish.

Not fair if you’re Jewish, Jewish.

Dradle, dradle dradle

I made it out of clay!

You realize that Christmas ain’t the only holiday!

(oy)

Hey he’s right, who made these laws?

Look! Wait here comes Santa Claus!

Santa Claus! Santa Claus! Santa Claus! Santa Claus!

Santa, Santa, Santa, Santa,

Santa, Santa, Santa, Santa!

GUYS!

Hey Santa do the can-can,

Help them if you can-can,

Join in the parade!

(I’m gonna go grab some Chinese food.)

All you need is tree, some lights, about a thousand

presents wrap them up and pray for snow!

(Ho!)

Run to your closet,

Find your Christmas sweater,

Screaming carols all the way!

(fa la la la la la)

France all the way to Indiana,

It’s the Christmas Can-Can,

That’s the end!

WAIT!

For our ending we should share this holiday

hava nagila…Happy Hanukkah to you,

a happy Hanukkah to you,

a happy Hanukkah to you,

A Merry Christmas, Hanukkah,

and also Kwanzaa!

A Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah

And Merry Kwanzaa too!

(ho)

The Nutcracker

Hooray it’s Christmastime

But there’s one lousy tradition

There’s a certain show that we will see

That is old and many would agree

It is time to find another show to substitute for the Nutcracker

I’m watching the game but something’s wrong

Staring is my wife her face looks long

I know that look it must be me

It’s not our anniversary

I shrug, no clue.

“What did I do?”

She stands in disbelief

WHAT?

This holiday scene brings no laughter

Forced going to see the Nutcracker

I tried to block it from my mind

Think fast! What reason can I find?

Got work to do

I’ll fake the flu

No chance, I’m done, I’m screwed

NO!

I’ve seen the Nutcracker twenty times.

Sure it is fun if you are four.

BUM!

Don’t call me a Scrooge cause it’s a bore.

The story’s dated and that mouse-king-thing freaks me out!

Well, guess I’m a guy what can I say

I’d rather watch football than ballet

I try my hardest not to grown

And pull the score up on my phone

As I complain,

“It’s not the same.”

We’re rushing out the door

GO!

All holiday shoppers on the road

My holiday spirit might explode

Of course there is no place to park

We’re late the theater’s in the dark

In no small feat

We find a seat

The show’s about to start.

SHH!

Here’s that song from Tetris

And I know it’s the part when I fight

Not to fall asleep

March the wooden soldiers

Bunch of mice start a fight

Land of sweets

Man this stuff’s trippy.

By the way this story makes no sense

Still don’t know

What it means

After all these years

So confusing

Feel like snoozing

Eyes are heavy

As I start to dream…

Whoa I’m awake must’ve fallen asleep guess I didn’t snore or make a peep

Cause my wife had no clue I’d been out-cold

Is the finale coming up because there is no beer left in my cup

To make it through I’ll need another drink

Snuck out to the lobby

Oh look I found a TV

I forgot the game was happening

It’s down to the wire

Time will soon expire

Down by one this kick would win it

HUT-HUT!

The ball’s snapped

OH NO!

The kick’s bad

RIGHT RIGHT!

No, we lost!

NO!

How could this night get any worse?

Now I’m feeling all depressed

But I still have to act impressed

A pirouette oh wow that’s great a six year-old could do that too

Saw my team lose at the bar

Now dancing dudes in leotards

Last Nutcracker hopefully

But my wife’s thinking differently

She leans in closely, whispers softly

Can’t wait for you to take me next year.

For the love of music (and, obviously, acapella singing!),
Rebekah

Stories & Songs - Christmas Edition! | Rascal Flatts - I'll Be Home for Christmas

I'll Be Home for Christmas is a favorite for many people, and with good reason! You often hear classic jazz arrangements in the style of the original recording by Bing Crosby. I wanted to share with you an arrangement that I enjoy listening to - a little different from the original, because this time, it's three guys singing acapella! Rascal Flatts, known for their wonderful blend and tight harmonies, sing it in a video that reflects their lives as artists who are often on the road close to Christmas:



For the love of music,
Rebekah

Stories & Songs - Christmas Edition! | Michael W. Smith - It's a Wonderful Christmas (album)

One of my family's favorite Christmas records is by one of Christian music's most well-known and loved artists, Michael W. Smith. We were somewhat familiar with his worship recordings, but when Sarah bought his album Freedom, we realized what a gift he has for composing instrumental music. She also purchased his Christmas album, released in 2007 and entitled It's a Wonderful Christmas. It was recorded at London's famed Abbey Road studios with a 65-piece orchestra and 4 choirs! Michael W. Smith writes beautiful music that could easily be mistaken for the soundtrack to a movie - I think you'll enjoy the sampling below!


It's a Wonderful Christmas


Song for the King


One of my favorites on this album is a grand choral piece entitled Sing Noel, Sing Hallelujah.


For the love of music and the glory of God,
Rebekah

Stories & Songs - Christmas Edition! | Lincoln Brewster - O Holy Night

Several years ago, my sister, Sarah, found out about a worship leader in California who is also quite an accomplished electric guitar player. A little unusual, right? I mean, most worship leaders lead with...acoustic guitars. This guy's name is Lincoln Brewster, and I'm not kidding when I say his guitar playing is very nearly comparable (in difficulty and virtuosity) to Keith Urban's and John Mayer's. (Actually, I've heard it said that Lincoln copies John Mayer all the time, but who doesn't?! The guy's a master at it!)

Anyways, last year Lincoln released a Christmas CD entitled Joy to the World: A Christmas Collection. On that CD is a recording of O Holy Night that's a bit of a departure from the standard grand, orchestral version you hear at Christmastime. In actuality, with Lincoln's guitar playing, he added an extra bit of oomph that, dare I say, made it even better? You be the judge. I happen to like it, but if you don't, no big deal. :) Lincoln's arrangement also includes part of Leonard Cohen's famous song, "Hallelujah", at the end, followed by a magnificent crescendo for the final chorus. Enjoy!




For the love of music and the glory of God,
Rebekah

Stories & Songs - Christmas Edition! | Drew and Ellie Holcomb & The Neighbors - Baby, It's Cold Outside

Y'all know how much we love Drew and Ellie around here! (Previous Stories & Songs posts: Live Forever and I Place My Hope) A few years ago, they recorded the wintertime classic Baby, It's Cold Outside. I went to look up who recorded it and the list was enormous!

They sing it wonderfully well, but watching the video is even better. Drew and Ellie have such a chemistry performing together and the expressions on their faces during this song really make the video. :) Plus, the Neighbors provide a perfect vintage sound to accompany them, especially with the upright bass and hollowbody electric guitar.

Wherever you are, whether it's cold outside or not...enjoy!




For the love of music,
Rebekah

Stories & Songs - Christmas Edition! | The Piano Guys

How could you possibly not love The Piano Guys?! YouTube sensations and incredibly talented musicians, cellist Steven Sharp Nelson and pianist Jon Schmidt (together with videographer/producer Paul Anderson and music producer/songwriter Al Van Der Beek) have delighted millions of people with their music over the last few years.

The day after Christmas two years ago, we gathered with some friends to enjoy an evening of music, food, and fellowship. Most of us were classical musicians, and there were several pianists in the group - but we also had some violinists and a cellist! That cellist asked if any of the pianists could sight read, and I said sure, I'd be glad to. He handed me a stack of music, and I gasped when I looked at the top:

"O Come, O Come Emmanuel...............arranged by Steven Sharp Nelson and Marshall McDonald"

"STEVEN SHARP NELSON!!!! You've got to be kidding me!!!! We're about to play something arranged by Steven Sharp Nelson?!?!?"

We did. It was quite an experience, because it's an absolutely gorgeous arrangement. I fumbled my way through the piano accompaniment, while our cellist friend played the melody. As soon as we got home that night, I downloaded The Piano Guys' recording on iTunes. Here it is!






Well, that was a couple years ago...and just a couple weeks ago, the guys released a new Christmas video! In the same style as their One Direction - What Makes You Beautiful cover, they (all!) play Angels We Have Heard on High on a piano! Enjoy!




For the love of music and the glory of God,
Rebekah

Stories & Songs - Christmas Edition! | GLAD: An Acapella Christmas

Christmas is just around the corner! (Yay! And yikes! Where did the time go?!) We started listening to Christmas music yesterday - my family has a big pile of CDs that we rotate through frequently throughout December. I thought I'd share with you some of our favorites! (I'll be posting a series over the next few days!)

We have always had a great love for men's acappella singing in my family, and one of the groups we enjoy listening to the most is GLAD. They aren't quite as well known now, but since the 80's and 90's they have been regarded as one of the best in that genre. When Sarah and I were little, we had a tape that we nearly wore out, we listened to it so much. (I can still remember hearing it over and over again one freezing cold winter as we drove to and from Iowa to visit my mom's family!)

A couple of years ago, Sarah bought the CD of that tape, so we can still listen to it...over and over again! Here are two of the songs on it...take a few minutes to listen and enjoy!

Glory to God

For Unto Us

For the love of music and the glory of God,
Rebekah